Tomorrow's Energy Workforce
Nuclear Technology at CBC
As a student in the Nuclear Technology program, you’ll learn about the science of radiation safety, how nuclear power plants operate, and the requirements of nuclear waste management. As the energy needs of the world grow and diversify, this STEM education prepares you to work in a large variety of Nuclear and Energy Generation Facilities, such as Nuclear Power Plant Operations, Nuclear Fuel Fabrication, Research Facilities, and Radiation Protection.
As one of about 12 Nuclear Uniform Curriculum Programs (NUCP) in the U.S., CBC partners with Energy Northwest and Handford DOE to ensure that the CBC Nuclear Technology program is aligned with the needs of the nuclear industry. This includes ensuring the program offerings are consistant with the established standards for accredited training programs so that all graduates have the same basic knowledge necessary to be successful power plant workers.
Through our two-year AAS, you can specialize in one of three tracks—Radiation Protection Technology, Non-Licensed Operator, and Instrumentation & Control Technology—that lead to in-demand, high paying careers in our area and nationally.
Students pursuing a Nuclear Technology Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) specialize in to earn one of the following degrees:
- Nuclear Technology Radiation Protection Technician, AAS (7 quarters): One of the most in demand careers in the nuclear industry, this AAS also feeds into our Health Physics BAS degree.
- Nuclear Technology Non-Licensed Operator, AAS (7 quarters)
- Nuclear Technology Instrumentation & Control Technician, AAS (7 quarters)
*Non-Licensed Operator and Instrumentation & Control Technology students will learn transferable skills that allow them to also build a career in vital industries such as energy generation (wind, hydro, gas and oil), process operations, and manufacturing.
Our program also offers three one-year certificate options:
- Nuclear Technology Radiation Protection Technician Certification (3 quarters)
- Nuclear Technology Non-Licensed Operator One-Year Certification (3 quarters)
- Nuclear Technology Instrumentation & Control Technician One-Year Certification (3 quarters)
Students will gain knowledge in the following areas:
- Nuclear Math and Physics
- Nuclear Chemistry
- Nuclear Safety
- Reactor Plant Systems
- Reactor Plant Operations
- Nuclear Facilities
- Radiation Fundamentals
- Radiation Safety
- Electricity Generation and power transmission
- Instrumentation and Controls Theory
Course descriptions for Nuclear Technology, Radiation Protection Technician, Non-Licensed Operator, and Instrumentation & Control Technician.
These AAS degrees require four general education classes—Math, English, Social & Behavior Sciences, Communication—and that students achieve a minimum grade of 2.0 in major course to continue enrollment. They also require a Biology, a Chemistry, and a Physics course.
One-year certificates require a Math and an English course.
Our program prepares you for many jobs in the Nuclear Technology industry and more, including:
- Advanced Manufacturing
- New Nuclear Storage
- Battery Storage
- Energy Efficiency & Management
- Hydrogen & Fuel Cell Technology
- Solar, Wind, and Water Systems
In WA state
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Wages
- $43/hour average wage
- $89,600/year average salary
Learn more about potential careers in WA state
Students enter the program as a group each fall quarter and progress together through a set course sequence. Because not all courses are offered every quarter, you will work with a Completion Coach to develop a personalized degree plan. If you have industry work experience, a completion coach will also help determine how that can be applied to your degree.
All program academic maps are available one the Counseling and Advising website.
The average class size for the program is 24, with a combination of lecture and lab classes. We have both morning and evening classes available.
Nuclear Technology does not have any additional fees beyond the regular CBC tuition and fees. Please note that tuition estimates are based on average program enrollment and that individual costs can vary.
Our programs are eligible for both federal and state financial aid, including grants, loans, and work study options. You may also be eligible for scholarships and Workforce Education Center grants—don’t miss the chance to apply.
Visit the Pay for College page for more information on tuition, financial aid, and scholarships.
Program Admission is done on a first come, first served basis for those who have attended an information session and are ready to register for classes.
Information sessions are held in March, April, and May for all Fall cohorts.
Please visit our CTE events page for all upcoming information sessions and details on the admissions process.
For more about student and program expectations, please see our student policies.
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